F1 Russian GP: Renault balancing 2016 gains with 2017 gaze

Renault says it is keen to improve its 2016 fortunes, but admits a switch of focus to 2017 could also prove its 'best chance' for success.

Renault F1 managing director Cyril Abiteboul says there remains a determination from the team to rapidly improve its fortunes for 2016, even if he admits an early look to the regulation changes of 2017 could ultimately prove its 'best chance' for success.

Returning to F1 as a constructor this season after the purchase of the Lotus team over the winter, Renault has endured a trying start to the year with neither Kevin Magnussen nor Jolyon Palmer scoring points in the opening three races.

Admitting the last race in China proved a particularly below par following a compromised weekend build up, Renault is heading to the next Russian Grand Prix event eager to make some amends

However, while Abiteboul says the plan is to keep making incremental improvements to the RS16, he admits the proposed regulation overhaul for 2017 could occupy its attention going forward.

"I can't hide the fact that the last race in China didn't meet our expectations," he said. "We haven't taken it lightly, but we now need to draw a line under the first three races of the season. The reality is that we need to keep pushing and improve overall performance, but without compromising on our 2017 potential, which is where our best chance of success lies.

"We can take inspiration from the solid work we have done on the engine, which now needs to replicated on the chassis side."